Getting Around Chicago


Airport
Chicago has 2 airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. O'Hare is approximately 18 miles northwest of the city center. Midway Airport is 6.5 miles southwest of the city center. The Blue Line train takes passengers to and from O'Hare and downtown Chicago and runs 24 hours a day. The Orange Line train takes passengers to and from Midway airport and downtown Chicago and also runs 24 hours. Taxis take about 20-30 minutes to get to the city center and cost about $40.

Local Transport
Chicago has an excellent system of trains, buses and commuter rail. Bus and trains cost $2 per ride. Pay in cash on the bus, and exact change is needed. Transit cards may be purchased at selected outlets. The fare is $1.75 with these pre-paid cards and avoids the hassle of needing exact change. You may also call and get exact directions on public transport to and from any destination in the city. RTA Travel Information service is available 7 days a week, including holidays, 4:45am-1:00am for travel information on CTA, PACE, and Metra.
Tel: +1 312.836.7000; For Hearing Impaired +1 312.836.4949

Taxis
It is very easy to find a taxi downtown or near the Miracle Mile. A 20 minute ride costs approximately $15 depending on traffic but as elsewhere, you pay the amount shown on the taximeter, plus any tolls. The meter starts at $2.25, then increases $.20 for each additional 1/9 of a mile. There is an extra $1.00 charge for for the first additional passenger over the age of 12 and under the age of 65, and $.50 for each passenger after that. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional.
Yellow Cab Company: +1 312.829.4222
Checker Taxi Company: +1 312.243.2537